You’re about to hand over your car to strangers for a long journey. In doing that, you might be wrestling with a flood of thoughts:
“Will it arrive scratch-free? Did I just choose the cheap option and regret it later? What if something breaks in transit?”
You’re not alone. It’s a feeling many car owners share. Scroll through forums, and you’ll find the same stories: someone’s classic car arrived covered in dust, another person worried for days tracking every update, and a few who paid extra just to feel at ease.
These worries are valid. Because your car isn’t just a machine — it may be your daily partner, your dream project, or something tied to memories you can’t replace. Whether it’s your daily commuter, your first sports car, or your prized vintage ride, every car carries a story and no one wants to see theirs end in regret.
So before you pick “flatbed” or “enclosed,” it’s not just about cost. It’s about trust, comfort, and knowing your choice aligns with what your heart wants — not just your wallet.
In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly what open vs enclosed shipping means — and help you walk toward the option that lets you sleep easier at night.
A Flatbed is also known as an open trailer, is one of the most common ways to move vehicles. You’ve probably seen these trailers on highways — long, open beds that carry multiple cars. It is faster to schedule and more affordable.
People often choose the trailer because of easy to load, availability and budget-friendly. Also this option is perfect for short-distance moves or standard cars.
A standard flatbed or open carrier has many sizes that can hold up to 1–10 cars at once. So you have to rent the trailer based on your needs.
It’s a great choice if you’re shipping a daily driver, used car, or vehicle that doesn’t need extra protection.
Enclosed car shipping is like giving your vehicle its own private suite. Your car travels inside a fully covered trailer, protected from rain, dirt, and road debris. Think of it as a private garage on wheels.
There are two main types of enclosed carriers:
Owners of classic, luxury, or exotic cars often choose enclosed shipping for one reason — peace of mind. The car stays clean, secure, and safe from the elements from pickup to delivery.
Enclosed car shipping is often favored during long-distance transport or in situations where the vehicle will traverse through regions with unpredictable weather conditions. And is has limited spaces and you cannot haul the over the space.
Compared to the price tag its much more expensive than open/flatbed trailer. But people often choose for protecting from the elements and road debris like rocks, sand, and salt. If your car means more than its price tag, enclosed transport is often worth it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Complete protection from weather and debris |
Higher cost (about 25–65% more) |
|
Perfect for luxury, vintage, or show cars |
Fewer available carriers |
|
Highly secured security and privacy |
May take longer to schedule |
|
Often includes lift-gate loading for low-clearance cars |
Not needed for everyday vehicles |
Open transport is the everyday choice for car shipping because it’s affordable and efficient. It’s the standard method most people use when moving, buying a car online, or relocating for work.
If you’re hauling for a short distance or don’t mind some dust or weather exposure, go with a flatbed. There’s no need to spend extra on an enclosed trailer for simple hauls.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
More affordable and easy to book |
Exposed to weather and road dust |
|
Faster scheduling and transport |
Minor cosmetic risks (e.g., dirt or small debris) |
|
Ideal for short or local trips |
Less privacy and security |
|
Widely available nationwide |
Sometimes, the right choice isn’t about cost — it’s about what feels right for you and your car.
Choose enclosed car shipping if:
Choose flatbed car shipping if:
Whether you choose flatbed for practicality or enclosed for protection, what matters most is confidence.
When your car rolls off that trailer, clean, safe, and just as you left it — that’s the real win.
Because in the end, this isn’t just about moving a vehicle.
It’s about moving your story, with trust leading the way.
If you’ve ever stood next to your car and trailer before a trip, you’ve probably had the same questions running through your head. Should I strap to the chassis, the
Renting a trailer but not sure what size you need? You’re not alone. Whether you’re moving, hauling gear, or transporting heavy equipment, the right size trailer makes all the difference.
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